(WNY News Now) – ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A 54-year-old Farmington man and registered Level 3 sex offender has been arrested on federal charges alleging the distribution, receipt, and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Robert Carrigan was charged by criminal complaint following an investigation involving a CyberTip submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted.
According to court documents, NCMEC received a report in December 2024 from Snap Inc., the parent company of the social media platform Snapchat. The report alleged that a user account shared a file containing suspected child sexual abuse material through the platform’s chat function. Investigators traced the account’s associated phone number and email address to Carrigan.
Authorities executed a search warrant at Carrigan’s residence in July 2025. During the search, law enforcement officers seized electronic devices, including a cellphone. A subsequent forensic analysis allegedly uncovered approximately 277 image files and three video files depicting suspected child sexual abuse material. Some of the material reportedly involved pre-pubescent minors and violent content.
Carrigan, who was previously convicted in 2004 of a child sexual abuse offense, is classified as a Level 3 sex offender, indicating a high risk of reoffending.
He made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland and was ordered held pending a detention hearing scheduled for April 28, 2026.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford and is the result of a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the New York State Police, and NCMEC.
Officials emphasized that a criminal complaint is an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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